Announcement of an Exempt Purchase

High Speed automated atomic force microscope with fluorescence correlation capabilities. This microscope allows us to interrogate cellular structures at nanometer spatial resolution at both morphological and functional levels, respectively. Besides the specification needed in the spatial dimensions, high-speed dynamics on the time scales of milliseconds are expected as an important aspect of our living cellular studies.

This purchase is exempt from the usual selection processes of the Procurement Code because the procurement expenditure is for performing sponsored research and other sponsored activities under grants and contracts funded by the sponsor or by sources other than State appropriations. (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(8)) Without this equipment, there would be damage to the reputation of researchers and the university, research progress and funding stability. This equipment is 100% supported by research project funded by private funding agency, Allen Foundation for an awarded research project.